The materials and mechanisms of a wind turbine, exposed to winds and bad weather, are subject to solid physical constraints. Parts eventually wear out and become brittle, reducing machine performance and safety.
According to the Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), the lifespan of a wind turbine is estimated at 25 years. Beyond that, the technical reliability and efficiency of wind turbines start deteriorating.
In an individual wind turbine owned by an individual (generally smaller in size), the lifespan can differ from 20 to 30 years, depending on the manufacturer.
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Factors affecting the life of Wind Turbine
Though ADEME has given a wind turbine lifespan of 20 to 30 years, this duration may vary depending on certain factors. These factors may cause faster wear of components or ancillary installation elements, such as the inverter, batteries, the meter, or electric cables.
Due to sea air, vibrations, frost, or even lightning, Corrosion can cause the structure to wear more quickly. The common factors affecting the life of wind turbines are:
1. Fire
Fire can cause a total loss of wind turbines when a unit is completely consumed and cannot be repaired.
2. Extreme weather conditions
In some circumstances, the weather is responsible for problems – sometimes, the strong winds are too much for the machine to withstand. Brake failures and upturned blades make things even worse.
3. Problems with the paddles
The leading causes of problems with the blades are lightning, damage from collision with objects, poor design, poor material. Accumulation of insects, oil, and ice on the edges also reduces efficiency by up to 40% less.
4. Bearing Problems – The Achilles Heel of Turbines
No matter the turbine model, bearings are always an issue in all of them. The main reason for bearing failures is the peeling of the surface visible to the naked eye.
5. Miscellaneous factors
- Failure to comply with recommended maintenance practices in lubrication procedures, collector systems, etc.
- Bearing mechanical or electrical failures, rotor failures, cooling system failures leading to excess heat and, in turn, fire.
- Misalignment or other improper installation, excessive vibration, voltage irregularities, converter failure, improper grounding, and excessive speed (which leads to bearing problems).
- Manufacturing problems include loose components, inadequate electrical insulation, rotor failures, other sections inside the machine that complicate service, etc.
Ways to extend the life of wind Turbine
We can extend the life cycle of wind turbines to 30 years with timely and proper maintenance. Proper repairs are also essential for generator reliability and longevity.
The other ways to extend the lifespan of your wind turbine are briefed below. These precautions are essential for your wind turbine’s safe and efficient use.
1. Protect the wind turbine from lousy weather
It may seem paradoxical, but the wind is not always the friend of the wind turbine. Too strong winds affect its proper functioning and can even seriously damage the installation or cause a breakdown.
If a storm is a forecast, plan to orient the blades to limit the gusts’ impact or block the edges using a mechanical brake system. If not, have time to act beforehand; checking the apparatus before restarting is preferable.
2. Monitor the weak signs
The slightest sign of weakness (suspicious noise) should alarm you and prompt you to do a thorough check. Even the slightest sign of weakness could cause cascading problems to other parts of the wind turbine. At the modest defect, repairs and changes of components are necessary.
3. Life extension
The manufacturer of wind turbines has developed an alternative scheme to certify the longer utility life of wind turbines. It consists of analyzing the turbine before it is 20 years old and changing the necessary components to function for a few more years.
4. Boost wind turbine performance through structural monitoring
To track performance problems and malfunctions of a wind turbine requires monitoring and one solution is to use a digital twin. Digital twins have essentially computerized companions to their physical counterparts.
In wind turbines, a digital program reflects what its physical twin does as it operates and generates power. It captures all data from operating turbines, analyzes it, and provides real-time information based on data it receives.
The monitoring system helps identify underlying problems that we may not have identified previously. The types of issues detected can include performance, turbine health, and identification of the remaining useful life of an asset.
Best 3 Home Wind Turbines of 2021 based on life span
Wind Turbines can be the perfect solution to reduce energy costs or even wholly disconnect from the grid.
The decision to buy one will depend on many important factors: the rules surrounding wind turbines in your city or neighborhood, your energy needs, and your budget.
Here we have rounded up the best wind turbines so that you can choose the right one for your needs.
1. ECO-Worthy Wind Turbine
The Eco-Worthy has been designed with a particular goal in mind: to ensure the production of renewable energy in your home with the highest possible efficiency.
This wind turbine succeeds precisely in its intent, starting with the output power it can offer.
You will have 400 W at your disposal, ideal for powering your devices.
If you choose it together with the photovoltaic panel, the ECO-Worthy wind turbine can produce 500 W or 700 W of power by combining solar and wind energy.
The blade is light, with a three-prop turbine without a support bracket.
Specification:
| Power | 400 W, 500 W, and 700 W |
| Number of Blades | 3 |
| Hybrid controller | 20A PWM |
| Power generation | 2.4 KWH |
| Solar panel | Protected with aluminum frame |
| Battery system | 12 V |
| Specialty | Weatherproof |
| Extension cable length | 29.5 ft |
| Solar cable | 16 ft |
| Price | 289 $ |
| Size | 58.3×26.3×1.4 inches |
| Manufacturer | Eco Worthy |
| Weight | 8 kg |
| Life span | 20 years |
| Pros | Cons |
| Best domestic wind blade of 2021 | Price a bit high compared to other competitors |
| Good nominal wind speed of approximately 10.5 m/s | Battery not included in the package |
| Can reach 500 or 700 W total if chosen in a kit together with the solar panel | |
| Very light blade equipped with three propellers without a support bracket | |
| Made with weatherproof material | |
| Ideal for powering any of your devices |
2. iSTA Breeze i-500 Plus Wind Turbine
iSTA Breeze i-500 Plus is a domestic wind blade characterized by an aesthetic appearance.
With this generator, you will have enough energy to power your favorite devices. A more remarkable value can produce up to 500 W of maximum power in the output.
The power supply is given by a 12 V or 24 V alternating current generator, depending on the version you choose.
The iSTA Breeze wind blade is resistant and dissipates heat very well with a quality material such as aluminum. The structure with a vertical bracket is straightforward to install and versatile in use.
Specification:
| Power | 500 W |
| Weight | 4.5kg |
| Maximum power | 450 Watt |
| Power type | AC GENERATOR permanent magnet, neodymium |
| Sound level | 40 dB |
| Blade length | 50 cm |
| Specialty | Weatherproof |
| Manufacturer | Altinelenerji LTD. |
| Battery Included | No |
| Price | 219$ |
| Life span | 20-25 years |
| Pros | Cons |
| Mini wind generator with an excellent aesthetic style
Excellent power, which reaches a maximum of 500 W The efficient charging system, compatible with 12 V or 24 V battery Made of aluminum, to ensure good heat dissipation and dispersion The excellent structure offered, protected from dust and bad weather. Simple installation to carry out even for those who are not in the sector | Can struggle if the wind is not strong enough
Have to buy the battery separately |
3. BuoQua Wind Turbine
BuoQua is a wind generator that allows you to produce renewable energy, clean for you and the environment, to power your favorite devices.
It has a simple structure without a vertical bracket, so it is versatile and efficient to place on any surface.
There is a small fixing base that you can anchor to allow correct operation, for example, on your terrace.
The result will be a satisfactory production of energy, which will guarantee you 400 W of output power.
Specification:
| Power | 400 W |
| Number of blades | 3 |
| Rotor diameter | 1.2m |
| Battery | 12 V/24V |
| Controller | 20A Hybrid Charge Controller |
| Start-up wind speed | 2.5 m/s |
| Specialty | Weatherproof |
| Manufacturer | BuoQua |
| Battery Included | No |
| Price | 300$ |
| Life span | 20 years |
| Pros | Cons |
| Wind generator for a domestic system, elementary installation procedure
Excellent deliverable power, which can reach 400 W Good nominal wind speed, around 10.5 m/s Possibility of integration with a solar panel for even better efficiency Very functional even with little wind It does not require a vertical bracket for more versatile positioning. The price is well compared to the quality offered | Not excellent materials according to some customers
Maximum rotation speed below average |
Conclusion
Wind Turbines can be an excellent choice to generate electricity from the wind. There are numerous wind turbines available in the market to install on your residential property.
Wind Turbines are your best alternative to save your electricity bills as well.
(Last Updated on October 19, 2022 by Sadrish Dabadi)
